Check vs. Checkmate — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 6, 2024
Check indicates a king is in threat of capture, while checkmate means the king is inescapably threatened, ending the game.
Difference Between Check and Checkmate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Check occurs in chess when the king is under direct threat of capture by an opposing piece, prompting the player to move the king out of threat, block the attack, or capture the threatening piece. On the other hand, checkmate is a position where the king is in direct threat of capture without any means to escape or nullify the threat, effectively ending the game. Check serves as a warning that demands immediate action to protect the king, whereas checkmate concludes the game, signaling victory for the attacking player. In essence, while check is a temporary condition that can be resolved, checkmate is a definitive end to the chess game.
Both check and checkmate are pivotal moments in a chess game that require strategic planning and foresight. A player might employ a series of checks to corner the opposing king or to gain a positional or material advantage. Whereas, achieving checkmate is the ultimate goal, often requiring careful coordination of multiple pieces to trap the opposing king. Thus, checks can be seen as steps towards the eventual objective of checkmate.
The concept of check emphasizes the immediate need for defensive maneuvers, potentially disrupting the opponent's strategy and forcing them to react rather than act. Checkmate, however, signifies the culmination of an offensive strategy that leaves the opponent with no moves, showcasing superior tactical skill. Therefore, while checks can influence the flow of the game and offer tactical opportunities, checkmates define the outcome.
Understanding the differences between check and checkmate is crucial for chess strategy. Knowing how to effectively check the opponent’s king can lead to advantageous positions and potentially force errors, while understanding how to convert a position into checkmate is key to winning the game. Therefore, mastery of both concepts is essential for chess proficiency.
While checks can occur numerous times throughout a game, each posing a different threat and requiring a unique response, a checkmate is singular and conclusive. This distinction highlights the transient nature of checks versus the finality of checkmate, underscoring the importance of strategic planning and execution in chess.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A situation where the king is threatened with capture but can escape.
A situation where the king is threatened with capture and cannot escape, ending the game.
Objective
To temporarily put the opponent's king under threat, potentially leading to a more advantageous position.
To conclusively end the game by ensuring the opponent's king cannot escape capture.
Response Required
The player must remove the threat by moving the king, blocking the check, or capturing the threatening piece.
No move can remove the threat; the game ends.
Frequency
Can occur multiple times in a game.
Occurs once, concluding the game.
Strategy
Used as part of broader strategies for gaining an advantage or disrupting the opponent's plans.
The ultimate goal of the game, requiring precise coordination of pieces.
Compare with Definitions
Check
A chess move threatening the opposing king with capture.
Moving the queen to a position that checks the opponent's king forces them to respond.
Checkmate
The final move of a chess game, where the king cannot escape threat.
With a swift move of his queen, he declared checkmate.
Check
Part of strategic play to gain advantage.
He used a series of checks to weaken his opponent's defense.
Checkmate
Indicates a win in chess.
Achieving checkmate, she won the tournament.
Check
Can lead to checkmate if not properly addressed.
Failing to escape the continuous check could lead to checkmate.
Checkmate
A position with no legal moves available to escape threat.
He realized too late that his king was in checkmate.
Check
A situation that can be resolved.
She quickly moved her king out of check and counterattacked.
Checkmate
Represents superior skill and strategy.
The checkmate was a testament to his unparalleled understanding of chess.
Check
A tactical action requiring an immediate defensive response.
The check from the rook left the opponent scrambling to protect their king.
Checkmate
The ultimate goal in chess strategy.
The player executed a flawless strategy, leading to checkmate.
Check
Examine (something) in order to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition, or to detect the presence of something
Customs officers have the right to check all luggage
A simple blood test to check for anaemia
Checkmate
Checkmate (often shortened to mate) is a game position in chess and other chess-like games in which a player's king is in check (threatened with capture) and there is no possible escape. Checkmating the opponent wins the game.
Check
Stop or slow the progress of (something, typically something undesirable)
Efforts were made to check the disease
Checkmate
To move a chess piece placing (an opponent's king) under threat of being taken on the next move with no way of escape or defense possible.
Check
(of a passenger) consign (baggage) to the care of the transport provider with whom they are travelling
I checked my bag and got my boarding pass
Checkmate
To defeat completely.
Check
Mark or click on (a box) in order to select a particular option on a form, questionnaire, etc.
Users who want privacy should check the box that prevents your files from being shared
Checkmate
A move in chess that checkmates an opponent's king.
Check
Move a piece or pawn to a square where it attacks (the opposing king)
He moves his knight to check my king again
Checkmate
The position or condition of a checkmated king.
Check
(in poker) choose not to make a bet when called upon, allowing another player to do so instead.
Checkmate
An utter defeat.
Check
(of a hound) pause to make sure of or regain a scent.
Checkmate
Used to declare the checkmate of an opponent's king in chess.
Check
An examination to test or ascertain accuracy, quality, or satisfactory condition
A campaign calling for regular checks on gas appliances
A health check
Checkmate
(chess) Word called out by the victor when making a move that wins the game.
Check
A stopping or slowing of progress
There was no check to the expansion of the market
Checkmate
(by extension) Said when one has placed a person in a losing situation with no escape.
Check
A move by which a piece or pawn directly attacks the opponent's king and by which the king may be checkmated.
Checkmate
The conclusive victory in a game of chess that occurs when an opponent's king is threatened with unavoidable capture.
Check
US spelling of cheque
Checkmate
Any losing situation with no escape; utter defeat.
Check
A token of identification for left luggage.
Checkmate
To put the king of an opponent into checkmate.
That jerk checkmated me in four moves!
Check
A counter used as a stake in a gambling game.
Checkmate
To place in a losing situation that has no escape.
Check
Another term for tick (sense 1 of the noun)
Checkmate
The position in the game of chess when a king is in check and cannot be released, - which ends the game.
Check
A part of a piano which catches the hammer and prevents it retouching the strings.
Checkmate
A complete check; utter defeat or overthrow.
Check
A crack or flaw in timber.
Checkmate
To check (an adversary's king) in such a manner that escape in impossible; to defeat (an adversary) by putting his king in check from which there is no escape.
Check
A pattern of small squares
A fine black-and-white check
Checkmate
To defeat completely; to terminate; to thwart.
To checkmate and control my just demands.
Check
Expressing assent or agreement.
Checkmate
Complete victory
Check
Used by a chess player to announce that the opponent's king has been placed in check.
Checkmate
A chess move constituting an inescapable and indefensible attack on the opponent's king
Check
Having a checked pattern
A blue check T-shirt
Checkmate
Place an opponent's king under an attack from which it cannot escape and thus ending the game;
Kasparov checkmated his opponent after only a few moves
Check
The act or an instance of inspecting or testing something, as for accuracy or quality
Gave the paper a final check.
Check
A standard for inspecting or evaluating; a test
The condition of the wiring can serve as a check for the level of the seller's home maintenance.
Check
A check mark.
Check
A ticket or slip of identification
A baggage check.
Check
A bill at a restaurant or bar.
Check
A chip or counter used in gambling.
Check
Something that stops or slows down motion, action, or expression; a restraint
Heavy rains were a check on the army's advance.
Check
The condition of being stopped or held back; restraint
Kept my temper in check.
Holding agricultural pests in check with sprays.
Check
A stopping or slowing down of something
"The medicines ... gave a check to the disorder that was destroying him" (Richard Henry Dana).
Check
(Sports) The act of blocking or impeding an opponent with the puck in ice hockey, either with one's body or one's stick.
Check
A written order to a bank to pay the amount specified from funds on deposit; a draft.
Check
A pattern of small squares, as on a chessboard.
Check
One of the squares of such a pattern.
Check
A fabric patterned with squares
A dress of pale green check.
Check
A move in chess that directly attacks an opponent's king but does not constitute a checkmate.
Check
The position or condition of a king so attacked.
Check
A small crack; a chink.
Check
(Games) Used to declare that a chess opponent's king is in check.
Check
(Informal) Used to express agreement or understanding.
Check
To inspect so as to determine accuracy, quality, or other condition; test
Checked the brakes for wear.
Checked the paper for misspellings.
Check
To verify by consulting a source or authority
Checked her facts before speaking.
Check a spelling in the dictionary.
Check
To put a check mark on or next to
Checked off each item on the list.
Check
To arrest or slow the motion or progress of
Checked the flow by shutting a valve.
Check
To hold in restraint; curb
Check an impulse to laugh.
Check
(Baseball) To stop (the swing of the bat) in an attempt to avoid swinging at a pitch that is out of the strike zone
The batter checked his swing, and the pitch was called a ball.
Check
(Sports) To block or impede (an opposing player with the ball or puck), as in ice hockey, by using one's body or one's stick.
Check
To deposit or consign for safekeeping or shipment
Checked his coat at the door.
Checked my bags and boarded the plane.
Check
(Games) To move in chess so as to put (an opponent's king) under direct attack.
Check
To make cracks or chinks in
Sunlight dried and checked the paint.
Check
To make an examination or investigation; inquire
Phoned to check on the departure time.
Checked into the rumor.
Check
To be verified or confirmed; pass inspection
The suspect's story checked out.
Check
To agree point for point; correspond
The fingerprints checked with the ones on file.
Check
(Sports) To block or impede an opposing player with the ball or puck, as in ice hockey.
Check
To come to an abrupt halt; stop
The soldiers rushed into the room but checked when they saw their commander.
Check
To write a check on a bank account.
Check
To undergo cracking in a pattern of checks, as paint does.
Check
To place a chess opponent's king in check.
Check
In certain card games, to announce that one is declining the option of making a bet.
Check
To pause to relocate a scent. Used of hunting dogs.
Check
To abandon the proper game and follow baser prey. Used of trained falcons.
Check
(chess) A situation in which the king is directly threatened by an opposing piece. 14
Check
An inspection or examination.
I don't know if she will be there, but it's worth a check.
Check
A control; a limit or stop.
Checks and balances
The castle moat should hold the enemy in check.
Check
(US) A mark (especially a checkmark: ✓) used as an indicator.
Check
(US) An order to a bank to pay money to a named person or entity.
I was not carrying cash, so I wrote a check for the amount.
Check
(US) A bill, particularly in a restaurant.
I summoned the waiter, paid the check, and hurried to leave.
Check
A maneuver performed by a player to take another player out of the play.
The hockey player gave a good hard check to obtain the puck.
Check
A token used instead of cash in gaming machines, or in gambling generally.
Check
A lengthwise separation through the growth rings in wood.
Check
A mark, certificate, or token by which errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified.
A check given for baggage
A return check on a railroad
Check
(falconry) The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds. 15
Check
A small chink or crack.
Check
A pattern made up of a grid of squares of alternating colors; a checkered pattern.
The tablecloth had red and white checks.
Check
Any fabric woven with such a pattern.
Check
To inspect; to examine.
Check the oil in your car once a month.
Check whether this page has a watermark.
Check
To verify the accuracy of a text or translation, usually making some corrections (proofread) or many (copyedit).
Check
To mark items on a list (with a checkmark or by crossing them out) that have been chosen for keeping or removal or that have been dealt with (for example, completed or verified as correct or satisfactory).
Check the items on the list that interest you.
Check off the items that you've checked (inspected).
Check the correct answer to each question.
Check
To control, limit, or halt.
Check your enthusiasm during a negotiation.
Check
To verify or compare with a source of information.
Check your data against known values.
Check
To leave in safekeeping.
Check your hat and coat at the door.
Check
To leave with a shipping agent for shipping.
Check your bags at the ticket counter before the flight.
Check
To pass or bounce the ball to an opponent from behind the three-point line and have the opponent pass or bounce it back to start play.
He checked the ball and then proceeded to perform a perfect layup.
That basket doesn't count—you forgot to check!
Check
(sports) To disrupt another player with the stick or body to obtain possession of the ball or puck.
The hockey player checked the defenceman to obtain the puck.
Check
(poker) To announce that one is remaining in a hand without betting.
Tom didn't think he could win, so he checked.
Check
(chess) To make a move which puts an adversary's king in check; to put in check.
Check
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
Check
(nautical) To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
Check
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
Check
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack.
The sun checks timber.
Check
To make a stop; to pause; with at.
Check
(obsolete) To clash or interfere.
Check
To act as a curb or restraint.
Check
(falconry) To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
Check
(transitive) To mark with a check pattern.
Check
(heraldry) Divided into small squares (chequers) by transverse vertical and horizontal lines.
Check
A word of warning denoting that the king is in danger; such a menace of a player's king by an adversary's move as would, if it were any other piece, expose it to immediate capture. A king so menaced is said to be in check, and must be made safe at the next move.
Check
A condition of interrupted or impeded progress; arrest; stop; delay; as, to hold an enemy in check.
Which gave a remarkable check to the first progress of Christianity.
No check, no stay, this streamlet fears.
Check
Whatever arrests progress, or limits action; an obstacle, guard, restraint, or rebuff.
Useful check upon the administration of government.
A man whom no check could abash.
Check
A mark, certificate, or token, by which, errors may be prevented, or a thing or person may be identified; as, checks placed against items in an account; a check given for baggage; a return check on a railroad.
Check
A written order directing a bank or banker to pay money as therein stated. See Bank check, below.
Check
A woven or painted design in squares resembling the patten of a checkerboard; one of the squares of such a design; also, cloth having such a figure.
Check
The forsaking by a hawk of its proper game to follow other birds.
Check
Small chick or crack.
Check
To make a move which puts an adversary's piece, esp. his king, in check; to put in check.
Check
To put a sudden restraint upon; to stop temporarily; to hinder; to repress; to curb.
So many clogs to check and retard the headlong course of violence and oppression.
Check
To verify, to guard, to make secure, by means of a mark, token, or other check; to distinguish by a check; to put a mark against (an item) after comparing with an original or a counterpart in order to secure accuracy.
Check
To chide, rebuke, or reprove.
The good king, his master, will check him for it.
Check
To slack or ease off, as a brace which is too stiffly extended.
Check
To make checks or chinks in; to cause to crack; as, the sun checks timber.
Check
To leave (something) in the temporary custody of another; as, to check baggage; to check one's firearms at the door; to check one's coat at the cloakroom.
Check
To accept (something) for temporary custody from another; as, to check a customer's baggage; to check a customer's coat.
Check
To make a checkered pattern upon.
Check
To make a stop; to pause; - with at.
The mind, once jaded by an attempt above its power, either is disabled for the future, or else checks at any vigorous undertaking ever after.
Check
To clash or interfere.
Check
To act as a curb or restraint.
It [his presence] checks too strong upon me.
Check
To crack or gape open, as wood in drying; or to crack in small checks, as varnish, paint, etc.
Check
To turn, when in pursuit of proper game, and fly after other birds.
And like the haggard, check at every featherThat comes before his eye.
Check
Checkered; designed in checks.
Check
A written order directing a bank to pay money;
He paid all his bills by check
Check
An appraisal of the state of affairs;
They made an assay of the contents
A check on its dependability under stress
Check
The bill in a restaurant;
He asked the waiter for the check
Check
The state of inactivity following an interruption;
The negotiations were in arrest
Held them in check
During the halt he got some lunch
The momentary stay enabled him to escape the blow
He spent the entire stop in his seat
Check
Additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct;
Fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory
Check
The act of inspecting or verifying;
They made a check of their equipment
The pilot ran through the check-out procedure
Check
A mark indicating that something has been noted or completed etc.;
As he called the role he put a check mark by each student's name
Check
Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
Check
A mark left after a small piece has been chopped or broken off of something
Check
A textile pattern of squares or crossed lines (resembling a checkerboard);
She wore a skirt with checks
Check
The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;
His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
Check
Obstructing an opponent in ice hockey
Check
(chess) a direct attack on an opponent's king
Check
Examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition;
Check the brakes
Check out the engine
Check
Make an examination or investigation;
Check into the rumor
Check the time of the class
Check
Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
He verified that the valves were closed
See that the curtains are closed
Control the quality of the product
Check
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Check
Stop for a moment, as if out of uncertainty or caution;
She checked for an instant and missed a step
Check
Put a check mark on or next to;
Please check each name on the list
Tick off the items
Check
Slow the growth or development of;
The brain damage will retard the child's language development
Check
Be verified or confirmed; pass inspection;
These stories don't check!
Check
Be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics;
The two stories don't agree in many details
The handwriting checks with the signature on the check
The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun
Check
Block or impede (a player from the opposing team) in ice hockey
Check
Train by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control;
Parents must discipline their children
Is this dog trained?
Check
Consign for shipment on a vehicle;
Check your luggage before boarding
Check
Hand over something to somebody as for temporary safekeeping;
Check your coat at the door
Check
Abandon the intended prey, turn, and pursue an inferior prey, of falcons
Check
Stop in a chase especially when scent is lost;
The dog checked
Check
Mark into squares or draw squares on; draw crossed lines on
Check
Decline to initiate betting
Check
Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of;
Arrest the downward trend
Check the growth of communism in Sout East Asia
Contain the rebel movement
Turn back the tide of communism
Check
Place into check;
He checked my kings
Check
Write out a check on a bank account
Check
Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort;
I want to see whether she speaks French
See whether it works
Find out if he speaks Russian
Check whether the train leaves on time
Check
Verify by consulting a source or authority;
Check the spelling of this word
Check your facts
Check
Arrest the motion (of something) abruptly;
He checked the flow of water by shutting off the main valve
Check
Make cracks or chinks in;
The heat checked the paint
Check
Become fractured; break or crack on the surface only;
The glass cracked when it was heated
Common Curiosities
What is checkmate?
Checkmate occurs when the king is in a position to be captured with no legal moves available to escape the threat, ending the game.
How many checks can occur in a game?
There is no limit to the number of checks in a game, as long as each is resolved.
Is checkmate always the goal in chess?
Yes, achieving checkmate is the ultimate goal in chess, as it signifies victory.
Can a check lead directly to checkmate?
Yes, if the player cannot remove the check, it can escalate to checkmate.
What is the significance of check in chess strategy?
A check can disrupt the opponent's strategy, force defensive moves, and potentially lead to advantageous positions.
How can you respond to a check?
You can move the king, block the check with another piece, or capture the threatening piece.
Can a game of chess end without a checkmate?
Yes, games can end in a draw or resignation before checkmate occurs.
What are the common mistakes leading to checkmate?
Common mistakes include neglecting king safety, overlooking opponent's threats, and poor piece coordination.
What is a check in chess?
A check is a threat to capture the opposing king that requires an immediate response to remove the threat.
What's the difference between check and stalemate?
In a stalemate, the player whose turn it is has no legal moves and is not in check, leading to a draw, unlike checkmate which results in a win.
How do you achieve checkmate?
Checkmate is achieved by placing the opposing king under inescapable threat of capture.
Is it better to check or to focus on other strategies?
While checks can be useful, focusing solely on them without a broader strategy is not advisable.
Can checkmate occur in the early game?
Yes, fast checkmates like the "Fool's Mate" can occur, but they are rare among experienced players.
Can you be in check and not realize it?
In formal games, players must declare a check, but in casual play, it's possible to overlook a check.
Can a game be won without giving a check?
Technically yes, if the final move is a surprise checkmate; however, checks are common leading up to victory.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
